So You’ve Graduated, Now What?

Graduation!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PATapIobiso

Interim Certification• To teach in Alberta all teachers must hold valid

teaching authority prior to commencement of employment

• Professional Standards Branch of Alberta Education is responsible for the evaluation of credentials and issuance of certification for teachers in Alberta

• Lasts 3 years, but can be granted an extension

• Graduates of Alberta universities are issued their initial Interim Professional Certificate at the recommendation of the Dean of the Faculty of Education

• Graduating students should apply one to two months prior to the completion of their teacher education program. 

• Important: Dean’s recommendation is valid for 5 years, graduates are advised to apply for their Interim Professional Certificate within 5 years of the completion of their program.

What you need to apply• $200• Copy of Birth Certificate or Immigration status• Evidence of all legal names used• Post secondary student ID number, • List of all post-secondary institutions attended, • Type and date of credentials(s) earned, • MasterCard or Visa if paying fee on line.

Online Application

Teacher Qualification Services (TQS)

• Responsible for evaluating a teacher's years of education for salary purposes

• The TQS is not governed by the ATA or subject to its policies

• In order to obtain a statement of qualifications from TQS, you must either (1) be a teacher who holds or is eligible to hold an Alberta teacher's certificate or other teaching authority issued by the Registrar, Alberta Education or (2) be a student who has been admitted to an Alberta education faculty and who has advanced standing in a program leading to eligibility for certification.

• This form must be mailed and cannot be submitted online

What you need to apply • Evidence of a valid Alberta teaching authority

(Interim)• Official documentation of your educational record

from each educational institution that you have attended (Official Transcripts)

• Tip: apply for official transcripts as soon as they are finalized to hurry your evaluation process

• Official evidence of any name change that you have had

• More money ($70 first time)

TQS Form

Is that it for forms?

Nope!

• You will also need:• Recent Criminal Record Check• Child Welfare Check• District Specific Documentation

How do I find a job?• Education Canada• Apply to Education• Indeed• Finding a job FAQ: Education Alberta

Teaching Package• Resume (include link to online portfolio)• Cover letter (district specific)• Criminal record check• Child welfare check• TQS (pay grade)• Teaching certificate• Transcripts• References• Others that are district specific (ex. Catholic letter)

Research School• Get to know the school:• School Website• Mission statement• School plans and focus• Align yourself with the school’s beliefs• Principal’s name• Grades and subjects• Specialization and extracurricular

Cover Letter

• Make it personalized to the school and the district

• Refer to your online portfolio link if you have one

Resume• Teaching Experience• Leadership Experience• PD• Experience with kids• Be unique & make your resume standout• QR Code• Color

References• Get reference letters from more than just TAs• Principals• Professors• Parents• When students make notes

Digital Footprint• Check your digital footprint• Get rid of anything bad• Get some stuff up there if nothing comes up,

make a positive digital footprint through twitter, online portfolios, YouTube, etc..

• Lock up personal accounts ex) FB• Build your blog now• Create an online portfolio

Online Portfoliowww.jadechausse.weebly.com

• Tips:• Let your personality shine through• Add pictures• Samples of student work• Connect a blog to it• Organize or tag information to coincide with

KSAs• Do not include references or evaluations

Binder vs. Online PortfolioBinder Online Portfolio• Not easily accessible• Static

• Accessible• Easily modified and

adaptable• Shows technological

proficiency

Interview• Being a U of L grad• Email the principal, provide link to digital portfolio• Check your digital footprint before hand• Be prepared• Find out how many people will be in your interview• Prepare Handouts• Highlight evaluations and reference letters• Have questions written down• Send a Thank You note

Teacher On CallPros Cons

• New classes everyday• Jack of all trades• No lesson planning

• Lots of Driving• Teachers are sick on

fluff days• No benefits• No job security

Tips for being a TOC• Teachers are social beings, first impressions are

big!• Don’t be afraid to ask questions• Hiring TOCs is a long process so be patient• Be resilient and stay HEALTHY!• Get two evaluations and work the equivalent of

two years to apply for permanent certification

Other Options

• Private schools• Travelling abroad

Private SchoolsPros Cons

• Hire quickly with less hoops

• Usually well equipped with a large selection of resources

• Competitive wages, tenure can be offered

• Small class sizes• No union dues

• More accountability to parents, they can hold board positions

• Only offer one year contracts unless you have tenure

• More expectations for extra curricular

• No union

Tips for getting a job• Highlight your extra curricular involvement• Have experience using technology such as smart

boards and virtual labs• Be flexible to teach a variety of subjects• Apply early and check often• Learn about the school and what they have to offer and

specialize in• Emphasize your teamwork skills and ability to

authentically assess students

Teaching AbroadPros Cons

• Experience• Free round trip• House allowance• Shipping allowance• Longer holidays (4

months)• Health insurance

• Pay is usually lower

Teaching Abroad Info• Canadian curriculum schools• 93 accredited schools abroad, countries include: China,

Ghana, Italy, Korea, Mexico, Japan, Egypt, turkey, Thailand, Switzerland, saint Lucia, Netherlands

• Completing a contract abroad is very valuable on a resume back home.

• Things that are required include:• Police check• Transcripts• Complete application forms• Fees• Birth certificate